Aromatherapy

History of Aromatherapy

The word " Aromatherapy" comes from two words, "Aroma" meaning fragrance and "Therapy" meaning treatment. It is a healing art based in nature. Holistically applied, aromatherapy effects the whole person in mind, body and spirit. Complete, or holistic healing is ever-increasingly complimented in today's society.

Aromatherapy is a fast growing therapy in holistic natural therapies.

The history goes back some 18,000 centuries. Plant oils and flowers essences have bee un-earthed by archaeologists from many sites of the ancient civilised worlds.

In the late 19th century, French chemist Renée Maurice Gattefosse, began his research into the healing powers of essential oils. After burning his hand in his laboratory, he immersed it in lavender oil and was impressed by how quickly the burn healed.

There have been many books written on Aromatherapy from all parts of the world by qualified Doctors, Biochemists and Natural Therapists. Extracted essentials oils from petals, leaves, stalks, stems, seeds, roots, resins, rinds, or bark of selected aromatic plants, flowers, herbs or trees to promote health and well-being of the mind, body and spirit make up the knowledge of aromatherapy as we know it today.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, often through massage. Individual blends are prepared by the therapist, in a base of a cold pressed carrier oil such as Sweet Almond, Apricot, Avocado, Evening Primrose, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Wheatgerm, JoJoba Base creams and base lotion.

A person's medical history, contra-indications, chart of areas of concern, skin safety, reasons for seeking therapy will determine what essential oils and carrier oils are best suited for that person's individual needs.

Essential Oils

There are over 60 essential oils. Here are a few you may be familiar with.

Lavende, Frankincense, Myrrh, Rose, Geranium, Marjoram, Vetiver, Mandarin, Lemon, Lime, Ginger, Black Pepper, Patchouli, Cypress, Rosemary, Rose, Lemongrass, Juniper, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Neroli, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Sandlewood, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Ginger Fennel, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Mandarin.

Once the essential oils and carrier oils have been combined they are applied to the clients skin through a remedial or relaxing massage. The only skin area exposed is that which is being massaged. The client is draped with sheets or towels by the therapist. Subtle soft music, flowers and fragrant oils permeate the massage room giving a peaceful ambiance for the treatment to follow.

It is important not to use essential oils directly onto the skin. A carrier oil is required, as burning or skin rashes may occur.

As a holistic treatment, aromatherapy can have a profound effect on physical and psychological well-being. Many people believe that scent, as the most enduring of the senses, has the power to change our emotions and heal our bodies.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful modality. It can be experienced during pregnancy by the use of only certain essential oils. Babies infants, children and the elderly are also in this category of using safe oils.

"I enjoy sharing my gift with clients who will benefit and master their health and well-being through Aromatherapy."

Benefits of Aromatherapy

The benefits of essential oils can be obtained through inhalation or by external application. Passive methods of application include spreading fragrances of essential oils into a room using sprays and ceramic or glass electric vaporizers.

The use of clays and essential oils for facial beauty care

The face needs rest and release. What better way than to be pampered by the aromatherapy therapist ...

Christina Pfitzner - Click for larger view

Christina Pfitzner is based in Glen Waverley, Melbourne. She holds Associate Diplomas in Aromatherapy and Holistic Massage

Her philosophy is that we are all meant to be well and part of the process of becoming well is to 'Slow down - your life depends on it'.

Read more ...